An Overview of the Latest Developments in the Modernization, Upgrading and Rehabilitation of Existing Hydraulic Turbines

Abstract: The growth experienced in the 1980's in the modernization of older hydro plants has fueled the development of new runner and wheelcase designs and modifications providing higher capacity combined with more efficient and less cavitation prone performance. This paper discusses and describes a series of recent case histories. Specific attention is given to unusual model testing discoveries, runner designs and associated performance improvements, wheelcase modifications, improved runner and shaft seal designs, and site machining and repair of turbine embedded components.